WA Mother Faces Years-Long Wait for Daughter’s ADHD Diagnosis
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By Amelia Thompson | PERTH – 2025/09/17 00:30:16
A Perth mother, Sarah Jackson, suspects her five-year-old daughter, Ayla, has ADHD, similar to her older sister. However, she has been informed that the wait for a diagnosis within the public healthcare system could be as long as four years.
Ms. Jackson expressed that this extended waiting period has placed a meaningful emotional burden on her family.
“I don’t know what the future holds for Ayla and that’s … scary,” Ms.Jackson said. “There’s no early intervention for her.”
Ayla is only five, and therefore is unable to be given an ADHD diganosis by a GP in WA.
(ABC news)
Ayla will not be eligible for a new program designed to streamline ADHD diagnoses.
In Western Australia, a cohort of 65 general practitioners will receive specialized training to diagnose and prescribe ADHD medication, but this initiative is limited to children over the age of 10.
“I was pretty disappointed and disheartened that she would be nine years old just to even get that first appointment,” Ms. Jackson stated.
With Ayla scheduled to commence school the following year, Ms. Jackson conveyed that this situation has created uncertainty within her family regarding Ayla’s educational journey.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen between now and [age] nine with her learning and how she’s going to cope.”
“it just puts her in limbo land because by the time she gets to the point of actually having the choice of a GP or the paediatrician … It’s going to be too late for her.”
Difficulties Diagnosing Younger Children
the Royal Australian College of GPs, the association responsible for training the specialist doctors, has emphasized the need for caution when diagnosing younger children.
Dr. Sean Stevens, representing RACGP’s WA branch, indicated that the college has not yet resolute whether additional training is necessary for diagnosing children under the age of 10.
“We feel that … there are difficulties in that cohort,” Dr. Stevens said.
Dr sean Stevens says diagnosing patiends under 10 can be problematic.
(ABC News: Lily Kristanto)
“At this stage we feel it’s best with this training to focus on the 10 and up.”
However,the regulations vary across different states and territories.
in Queensland, general practitioners are authorized to diagnose and prescribe ADHD medication for children as young as 4.
New South Wales, South australia, and the ACT are also set to provide training to doctors for diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, but have not yet specified a minimum age requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main symptoms of ADHD?
- The main symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can affect daily functioning.
- How is ADHD diagnosed?
- ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, behavioral observations, and psychological testing.
- What treatments are available for ADHD?
- Treatments include medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
